Background: Welding processes expose workers to a range of occupational hazards, including chemical pollutants, noise, and non-ionizing radiation, which can compromise health. Effective selection and consistent use of personal protective equipment (PPE), along with engineering and management controls, are essential for mitigating these risks. Objectives: The present study aimed to identify occupational hazards in welding operations and propose strategies to enhance worker safety and health through optimized PPE use and workplace risk management. Methods: Hierarchical task analysis (HTA) was applied to systematically decompose the tasks of argon arc welding (TIG) and submerged arc welding (SAW). Other roles and activities within the workshop were examined to assess potential cross-exposures. Workplace hazards were evaluated using a combined qualitative and quantitative approach, including field observations, interviews with workers and technical experts, and analysis of technical and safety documentation. Environmental measurements included noise, airborne pollutants, and radiation levels. Results: The HTA identified multiple stages in welding processes where workers are exposed to hazards such as metal fumes, hazardous chemicals, noise, non-ionizing radiation, and molten metal spatter. Noise levels frequently exceeded recommended limits, while elevated concentrations of manganese and crystalline silica fumes were detected. Shared workspaces led to secondary exposure to hazards from adjacent tasks. Proper use of PPE, including hearing protection, respiratory masks, flame-resistant clothing, and welding helmets, was shown to effectively mitigate these risks. Conclusions: Welding hazards are cumulative and influenced by both task-specific and environmental factors. Continuous and correct use of PPE, combined with engineering controls and management measures such as task rotation, is critical to protect workers’ health. Ongoing training, supervision, and workplace monitoring are recommended to ensure compliance and reduce occupational risks in welding environments.

Context: Human resources for health (HRH) are a cornerstone of effective health systems. However, many lower-middle-income countries (LMICs) in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMRO) face persistent shortages and structural challenges. Objectives: This review evaluates the implementation of the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Strategy for HRH: Workforce 2030 in Iran, Djibouti, Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia, Palestine, and Pakistan. Methods: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Literature published between 2015 and 2025 was retrieved from seven databases, including PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. From 2,768 records screened, 52 peer-reviewed articles met the inclusion criteria. Methodological quality was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) tools. Results: Progress toward the 2020 milestones varied across countries. Egypt demonstrated notable success in accreditation reforms, while Tunisia and Morocco faced challenges in policy implementation and workforce distribution. The role of community health workers (CHWs) was particularly effective in Iran, improving rural healthcare access and outcomes. Conclusions: Strengthening HRH in the EMRO requires sustained investment, robust data systems, and coordinated policy efforts. Integrating HRH strategies within broader health system reforms is essential to achieving equitable service delivery. Future research should address regional disparities and support resilient workforce planning.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic not only had a long-term impact on healthcare but also changed the epidemic trends of diseases. The impact of COVID-19 on hepatitis E is still unclear. Objectives: The aims of the study were to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on hepatitis E incidence and establish a prediction model to predict the trend of hepatitis E in China. Methods: Monitored data on the incidence of hepatitis E in China from January 2012 to July 2022 were collected. The causal impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on hepatitis E incidence in China was explored using intervention analysis under the Bayesian structured time series (BSTS) model. The BSTS and autoregressive (AR) integrated moving average (ARIMA) models were established using training and testing sets, respectively, and the predictive performance of the models was compared. Results: It was found that there were seasonal fluctuations in the hepatitis E incidence in China. The number of monthly average hepatitis E cases decreased by 32% (95% CI: -40% ~ -23%) from January to December 2020 owing to the COVID-19 pandemic (probability of causal effect: 99.89%, P = 0.001). From January 2020 to July 2022, it decreased by 15% (95% CI: -21% ~ -9.4%). Because the error indicators of mean absolute error (MAD), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), root mean square error (RMSE), and root mean square percentage error (RMSPE) under the BSTS model were smaller than those under the ARIMA model, the prediction accuracy of the BSTS model was higher. Conclusions: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the overall incidence rate of hepatitis E in China decreased as a result of COVID-19. The BSTS model has strong application value to forecast the hepatitis E trend in China.

Context: Burn infections are a major public health problem for individuals suffering from burn wounds. Objectives: The present study was conducted with the aim of analyzing the literature on Fusarium infection in burn patients to determine the mortality rate, types of fungal infections, cultures, and prevention strategies. Methods: This systematic review analyzes scientific literature related to Fusarium species (spp.) infections in burn patients. A search was performed to identify relevant studies in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus databases, and Google Scholar search engine from 2000 to August 2025 using specific keywords and their equivalents. The inclusion criteria comprised English-language articles pertinent to the research objectives and the subject area of Fusarium infections. Non-English-language articles or studies lacking full-text availability were excluded. Content analysis was employed to examine the data. Results: The first section of the findings shows that 34 related articles were identified concerning Fusarium spp. infections. The highest mortality rate was 45% in burn patients with Fusarium fungus. The detected spp. was Fusarium solani based on diagnostic samples taken from biopsy and histopathological examinations. The type of treatment was amphotericin B and voriconazole, and 83% of burns occurred among men. Conclusions: Fusarium infections among burn patients were among the factors affecting mortality. Strategies to prevent and reduce mortality in burn patients with Fusarium spp. infections include early diagnosis, appropriate antifungal treatment, air ventilation, patient isolation, elimination of flowers, and use of chemoprophylaxis. Additionally, healthcare workers are required to distinguish predisposing factors for visceral fungal disease.

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading global cause of mortality, with social determinants of health (SDH) significantly influencing outcomes. Non-medical social needs remain understudied in CVD risk assessment, particularly in underserved populations. Objectives: This study examines the association between non-medical social needs and 10-year CVD risk among middle-aged adults in Zahedan, Iran. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024 with 315 participants (aged 30 - 59) attending educational clinics of Zahedan University of Medical Sciences by convenience sampling. Data were collected using the World Health Organization (WHO) CVD Risk Prediction Chart and the WellRx Questionnaire (assessing social determinants). Logistic regression (Backward Model) analysis identified predictors of elevated CVD risk. Results: In the analysis, four non-medical social determinants independently predicted high 10-year CVD risk (≥ 20%): Trouble paying transportation costs [odds ratio (OR) = 4.54, 95% CI: 2.24 - 9.21, P < 0.001], reduction in food consumption (OR = 3.17, 95% CI: 1.57 - 6.37, P = 0.001), unsustainable job (OR = 2.60, 95% CI: 1.36 - 4.95, P = 0.004), and addiction (self or family member) (OR = 2.02, 95% CI: 1.11 - 3.69, P = 0.022). Conclusions: Non-medical social needs strongly correlate with CVD risk in Zahedan. Targeted interventions — improving transportation, job security, reducing food insecurity, and expanding addiction support — could mitigate CVD burden. These findings advocate for integrating SDH into cardiovascular prevention strategies to advance health equity.

Background: Understanding and remembering medication instructions is challenging for many people, particularly older adults and those with low literacy. Since non-adherence to medication is both harmful and costly, pictorial instructions have been proposed as a solution. However, the optimal design features that best align with the mental schemas of prospective users remain under investigation. Objectives: The aim of this study was to optimize the design of pharmaceutical pictograms by focusing on the opinions of Iranian prospective users in the details of the plan. Methods: A cross-sectional study was designed in which an iterative, multi-step, participatory approach was applied. Eight poorly understandable pictograms for Iranian users were selected from the United States Pharmacopeia (USP). Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted with Farsi-speaking adults over 40 years old with low literacy, followed by draw-it sessions. Findings were scrutinized by four experts to form the base of the design. Final pictogram designs were approved through consensus after several panel meetings. Results: Data saturation was achieved with 22 participants. Through the draw-it sessions, participants created 34 images and provided feedback on how to improve the comprehensibility of the pharmaceutical instructions. These suggestions were reviewed during two expert meetings. Ultimately, eight culturally relevant pharmaceutical pictograms were developed for Iranian users. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the usability of human factors methods in the field of medication and pharmacy. The study anticipates that this approach will lead to improved medication adherence and patient safety. The redesigned pharmaceutical pictograms could serve as viable alternatives to their corresponding existing USPs. Future research should assess the comprehensibility and effectiveness of these pictograms in broader or different populations.

Context: Chronic medical conditions (CMCs) are the major causes of universal morbidity and mortality. Conversational agents (CAs) are promising solutions for managing these conditions. Objectives: This study aimed to examine the clinical and technical insights of CAs in managing CMCs. Data Sources: We conducted a systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines, utilizing the Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, IEEE databases, and the Google Scholar search engine to find articles published until June 17, 2025, with the keywords "Conversational agents" and "chronic diseases", along with their synonyms. Study Selection: The studies were assessed for quality using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) in its 2018 version. Data Extraction: We collected clinical and technical insights regarding CAs for the management of CMCs. Results: After reviewing 1035 articles, 22 ultimately met the inclusion criteria. The quality scores of the articles varied from 60 (moderate, n = 4, 18.2%) to 100 (high, n = 18, 81.8%) according to the MMAT. Among the studies, diabetes mellitus was the most commonly targeted condition, self-management was the most frequently applied approach, and usability was the most commonly measured outcome. Improvement of clinical outcomes (n = 11, 50%), usability (n = 12, 54.5%), and user satisfaction (n = 5, 22.7%) were the most frequent key findings of CAs. Most of the studies used the Android platform (n = 12, 54.5%), and English language (n = 14, 63.6%), and generating responses using artificial intelligence (AI; n = 14, 63.6%) was the most frequent technical insight. In most studies, the CAs took on the role of starting the conversation (n = 12, 54.5%), and most of the dialogues were text-based (n = 11, 50%). Various software (e.g., Python, RASA toolkit, Flutter, and React Native) were used to design CAs. The small sample size was the most frequent limitation in the reviewed studies (n = 6, 27.3%). Conclusions: This review highlights the potential of CAs to revolutionize chronic disease management by improving communication, enhancing patient engagement, and facilitating personalized care. However, it is important to acknowledge the significant heterogeneity between studies, which may affect the reliability of the findings. Despite these advancements, challenges such as privacy concerns, data security, and technological accessibility persist, necessitating the development of appropriate solutions. Future research and development should focus on addressing challenges and creating standard frameworks for maximizing the benefits of these technologies.

Background: The present study aimed to analyze the spatial distribution characteristics of high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) infection prevalence among cervical cancer screening participants aged 35 - 64 in Guizhou province, providing evidence for optimizing cervical cancer screening and prevention strategies. Methods: A total of 1,355,148 cases from free cervical cancer screenings conducted between 2023 and 2024 were included. ArcGIS 10.2 was utilized to map the geographical distribution of hrHPV infection rates. Global and local spatial autocorrelation analyses were performed, followed by space-time scan analysis using SatScan 9.1. Results: The hrHPV positivity rate was 13.10% (177,466/1,355,148). Spatial autocorrelation was observed in 2023 (Moran’s I = 0.334, P < 0.05), while no significant clustering was detected in 2024 (Moran’s I = 0.080, P > 0.05). The high-value-high-value aggregation area in 2023 included 2 counties under the jurisdiction of Qianxinan prefecture, 1 county under the jurisdiction of Qiandongnan prefecture, and 2 counties under the jurisdiction of Qiannan prefecture; the high-value-high-value aggregation area in 2024 included 2 counties under the jurisdiction of Qianxinan prefecture. Space-time scan analysis revealed three significant clusters (covering 29 counties) during 2023 - 2024: (1) A primary cluster in south-central Guizhou (11 counties, 2023); (2) a secondary cluster in central Guizhou (6 counties, 2024); and (3) a tertiary cluster in northeastern Guizhou (12 counties, 2023). Conclusions: During 2023 - 2024, the overall infection rate of hrHPV in Guizhou province exhibited an upward trend, with significant spatiotemporal clustering. Consequently, areas identified as potential clusters, particularly certain districts and counties within Qiandongnan autonomous prefecture, Qianxinan Buyei and Miao autonomous prefecture, and Qiannan Buyei and Miao autonomous prefecture, warrant heightened attention. These areas should adjust and optimize regional prevention and control strategies for cervical cancer screening programs based on the spatial distribution characteristics of the epidemic.